Short and So Sweet!!!! June 29 by Charlie

 Well it's me, Charlie, again (not quite as colorful as Janie) but in her words, you have to be a colorful person to write colorfully. 
This will be brief because you have already heard about the miracle in Janie's post.  I left Sunday for a quick trip to TN with Debbie slightly improving but oh so slowly and today I returned to Charleston to find my Debbie back...PRAISE THE LORD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS!!  Her right side is still weak but her mind is strong.  She is learning to speak with the trach voice box but can whisper already and make her own sentences and answers.   So wonderful for to be able to tell us how she feels or what she needs or wants.                       Our God is so powerful and merciful and He has just shown us what He can and will do if only we ask and believe.  Praise His Name! 

A Breakthrough Day

After my post last night, Deb had a bit of anxiety. I'm not sure what was the cause other than she became really aware of seriousness of her condition. Personally, I think she was feeling a bit sorry for herself. Given the circumstances and how drastically worse her brain condition could be, Thank God that she is aware enough to have a pity party. Amen? Anyway we gave her a little medicine to quiet her and she fell asleep.

Today, she has been alert and attentive to everything anyone wanted to do. The physical therapist was thrilled at the improvement over the last two days. She followed commands and listened intently to what people were saying. I think she now wants to be part of the conversation instead of the topic. I don't think she likes it much that we talk about her like she's not in the room.

We can now begin to hear voice again. They changed out the trach today and we're just beginning to hear her whisper. As her vocal cords get stronger over the next few days we will be able to hear her better. That in conjunction with
her brain healing sounds like she'll be wanting to take control. It might be time for me to leave so she can tell Charlie what to do. :). Seriously, I can't tell you what a relief it is that she is back with us. God is good and has been answering our prayers. Frankly, thanks to all you prayer warriors, I think God has heard her name so much over the last month that He decided to quiet our noise. Keep praying!

Thanks to all
ve

Managing the time clock

It's 930pm and she's semi asleep. She would be fully asleep if she wasn't coughing. The respiratory therapist came in about an hour ago and gave her lungs a cleaning so it stirred up some congestion that she is now trying to get rid of. Other than that we have discovered the perfect sleeping position for her. The key is to only put her in it at night. During the day we have started keeping the lights on high beams and working her limbs to keep her awake. Hopefully, that will get her back on daytime awake and nighttime sleep. That will be imperative when she starts her full-time therapy.

Today, the therapist gave Mom and I specific instructions to work with Deb throughout the day to get her to look to the right and to help her exercise her right arm and leg. I warned Debbie tonight that tomorrow is the first day of boot camp and I am the drill sergeant. I told her she could be mad at me but she's going to do the work.

Anyway, Deb was mouthing words and statements to us all day. That is exciting because tomorrow(Wednesday)they are changing out the trach to include a cap that will allow more air to her voice box so we can hear her. Can't wait.

Progress

Hi all. Janie again.
Well, she made a liar out of me. After I painstakingly typed out the post last night on my iPhone keypad, she went to sleep and slept all night. I in turn also slept all night. That is until they came in at 6am to give her a bath and all the fun stuff they love to do.
She has been a little lazy today. That could be because the physical therapist did some hard work with her this morning. They had her sitting up on the side of the bed following commands. After that Deb put me on ignore. For those who know me know that is a truly hard thing to do, given my dynamic personality. I imagine that means we'll be up again tonight. No worries. We haven't had stay up all night sleep overs in many years.
So I guess you wondered why I titled this post "progress". If the PT sessions aren't good enough I was thrilled this morning when Dr. Varma said that if her physical health continues to improve then they will transfer her to rehab closer to home in about 10 days. Yippee!! In conjunction they are going to clamp off the spinal drain over the next few days to get her body managing the fluid again. Keep praying that her health continues to improve. We want her closer to home so we can be with her more often.
Charlie hung all the wonderful cards she's received and the banner made by her Grandkids and our niece, Brianna, on the wall so she can see them. I added pictures of the whole family on Saturday. She looks at them constantly. She definitely knows she is loved. Thanks to you all for your love and support for Debbie, Charlie, and our family.

From Janie

Hello all! I'm Janie, Debbie's little sister. Since Dad and Charlie took a much needed break, Mom and I are spending some time with Deb.
It's late here in Charleston, but we' re still awake at the hospital. I'm taking the night watch with Deb. As I learned last night she has her days and nights mixed up. She's pretty active in the wee hours.
We've developed a communication system that works, though a bit remedial. I ask yes or no questions and she answers with her eyes. Hey, Whatever works.
Right now she is moving her left arm gradually up her chest as if something is either bothering her or she wants to get a hold of that tubing. The nurse on duty tonight is encouraging her to keep moving so we removed the tight blood pressure cuff for awhile to see what she's going to do with that hand.
Last night we started a new book together. I read and she listens intently all the while watching my lips move. I think we are both enjoying it.
I know that her pastor has been challenging the church to memorize Bible verses, so tomorrow I'm going to get her back on track with learning again. It will be good for both of us.

Update......June 26...............by Charlie

I had a safe trip back to TN and got to be with my wonderful church family and friends for worship and VBS kick-off.  Wonderful to see all of you again.  No words can express what I am feeling.
I heard earlier just before church from Deb's Mom that Debbie had a good day and was asleep after her work-out with the physical therapist.  Not much to report except praise to our Lord for the improvement, no matter how small  and for a safe journey.                             I would like to say a big thanks to Debbie's niece, Briana, for the great bracelets.  She had bracelets made for each of us to wear engraved with "Grammy Knows Best"  for the grandchildren......Really nice!

Debbie's update......June 25.......9 p.m. by Charlie

Deb has had another good day.....more responsive and resting comfortably.  Also her mother and sister arrived from Franklin, TN this afternoon to stay for a few days.  I think, no I know, Debbie was glad to see them.....probably quite tired of looking at me and Herb(her father).   To those of you who sent the gospel cds and cd player, I have been playing the music to her several times a day...........and I know she likes that.
  Since she is in stable condition, and will be in the good company of  Betty and Janie, I will travel home to Crossville tomorrow and return Tuesday.  Looking forward to seeing some you.                                           Deb's sister Janie will keep you posted for the next few days.  God bless each of you and thanks again for everything.
 

Friday, 6/24, update on Debbie......by Charlie

Due to the clot in Deb's leg, Dr Stryker today surgically implanted a filter into a  vessel  to prevent movement to any organs.  Procedure went well and Deb remains more responsive.  She is to be graduated from ICU to a room on 9 east this afternoon...........Great news in that she is more stable.
I will be with her tonight so this will probably be the last update today.
Thanks again to all of you for everything, especially for lifting Deb up in prayer, but most of all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus for hearing and answering!

From Betty and Herb

We want to thank all our friends for there cards, phone call, E-mails and there concerns for the recovery of Debbie. We also thank you for all the prayers. We look forward to seeing all of you soon. Betty and Janie will be with her next week and I will be home for a few days.It would appear that her recovery will be slow but we are hoping it will not take to long.We are fine now and excepted this as Gods will and will move on with our lives and take good care of her.  God bless all .  

Update on Debbie....7 p.m.......6/23/2011

Deb has had a kind of even day.  She got a good report on a ct scan this morning and lungs are in great shape.  Nurses Grace and Megan have taken great care of her and even gave her a shampoo and brush this afternoon. "But" a scan of her lower legs showed a clot in her left leg.  They will decide what to do about it tomorrow and said it was common.............I knew this but sometimes I don't like common!                                                  Anyway, she has rested comfortably today and looks great.                                                                           Thanks again for everything to our wonderful friends and family.  Love to you all.                                              This is an 11 p.m. addition to the above:  Herb and I went back to the hospital after the previous post and Debbie became more responsive.  She responded to questions and requests by closing her eyes and also when we told her we loved her, she would move her lips in response to this and other phrases.  What a blessing!
 Our Lord is so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Debbie's update........June 22.....by Charlie...7 p.m.

Deb has had another good day..........Resting comfortably with feeding tube in place so her lovely face is free of all tubes.  Still breathing on her own with trach and temp is more easily controlled.   Drs say she is doing well but may be a long process for brain to heal. May be moved to a room this week-end.   She looks great (doesn't look like she has even been sick)!                 It will take a while for Deb's healing and our Lord knows how much time she needs.  
I am an impatient person but He is teaching me patience.  He is still on His throne and in control!
For all Debbie's co-workers  at Cumberland County Bank, from Debbie and myself, thank you so much for the food, gifts and cards sent to us in the "care package".  So thoughtful and loving of you......Can't wait to be able to tell her.  And to all of our friends, thanks so much for your cards, prayers, phone calls, gifts and thoughts.
Debbie and I even received a package with fresh homemade brownies inside (amazingly they arrived ok) through the mail from our dear friends, Valerie and George Mason.  We share some of these wonderful treats with Deb's nurses and they love it and are amazed at you folks.
So keep Deb in your prayers and thanks again from everything I am for all your kindnesses.

June 21 update on Debbie by Charlie.....5 p.m.

Overall, Debbie is slightly better than yesterday.........as our Dr says "Always good with a little forward instead of backward".   She is breathing on her own through the trach and the pressure tube is to be removed from her head.  It was cut off two days ago and pressure has not increased.                                                                 She is still slow in response but earlier today Nurse Sandy cradled her head and asked her to close her eyes and she obeyed.  She then asked her to open them and she did........She also did it for me.  Such a small thing to some but a wonderful and beautiful one to me.  Praise our Lord!!!!!!!!                                                                      Thanks again my friends for all you do.  We love you!

Debbie's progress report............6/20/2011.....10 p.m. by Charlie

Debbie has had a good day!  Breathing tube is out and temporary trach is in and she looks great and seems to be much more relaxed.  Responses are slow but slightly improved.......at least they look that way to me. One of the nurses even put some light colored gloss on her lips.  They are so good to her.  Praise to Jesus!
Dr said we just have to give her time for more progress..........And a lot more prayers!
Also another blessing today.......Kenneth and Anita Apple from Gordonsville, TN (my brother and sister) drove here to see Debbie and are spending the night.  Such a blessing for Debbie and I to see them.  Their visit means so much to us.

Update on Debbie....8:00 p.m......6-19-2011.......by Charlie

Physically,  Debbie has improved again today and we are so thankful for that............."but", such a big word and sometimes so irritating, Dr. Hayes told us she is not responding to suggestions with movements etc. as she had hoped.  She said the burst vessel had caused some damage and she is afraid it could be more than they at first thought.  This is not fact yet and our Lord can take care of anything.  So we will take it one day at a time and pray for her daily.  We will see how it goes when the breathing and feeding tubes are removed tomorrow and keep you informed.
All I can say is "we must keep the faith" even in times of trial.  May our Lord bless all of you.

Update on Debbie.......June 18.........by Charlie

Debbie's condition has continued to IMPROVE!!!!   Still has increased temp problems but under control, but all other tests are improved over yesterday......Small steps are wonderful and we are so thankful.
Dr Hayes says if continued, the breathing and feeding tubes will come out Monday.
Again, we thank you so much for your prayers and love and kindnesses shown!!!

June 17, 2011... 8:p.m.....Debbie's update add-on for today by Charlie

Debbie's slight improvement has continued..........She seems to be resting comfortably and breathing is easy...She managed the first big yawn that I had seen earlier so I guess I was boring her. lol
She is still asleep but is giving some movement responses to Dr.  Dr. Hayes still says she will be resting until early next week.
God bless you all for your love and prayers!

Debbie's update for June 17,2011 a.m. by Charlie

This morning Debbie had slightly improved  vessel numbers and chest x-ray was great.  She is resting and breathing comfortably with minimal oxygen.  Dr Hayes said she is going to let her rest this week-end to strengthen her even though she is cleared for  O R to replace the breathing tube.  Prayers are working and we are so thankful.

Update on Debbie........1:40 p.m........6/16/2011......by Charlie

Good news today.......Lungs improved, breathing better and the spasm numbers are lower.....She is still asleep and having some spasms and  in serious condition and needs your prayers but these are good signs and we are so thankful and happy and praying for more good results tomorrow.  Her breathing is relaxed and she is resting comfortably.........Small steps.... Love to all!

Debbie's update......June 15.......by Charlie

Debbie had a fairly good day today........Chest x-ray result was improved and she was given a regular bed instead of the roto-rest (looks like a torture chamber to me) bed she has been in. It worked in helping the pneumonia....But there is always the "but", and we got one today...Her brain vessel report numbers were somewhat elevated from yesterday and we didn't want to hear that.....but small steps and we'll get there.          Thanks again everyone for every prayer and act of kindness and love.                                                                                             

June 14, Tuesday evening Debbie report............by Charlie

As of 9 p.m. tonight, Debbie was still doing well.  Her vitals are almost the same as the a.m. report.  Her two night nurses were with her doing their checks and she was resting comfortably.  She is off sedation now but will still be some time before she awakens due to the sedation administered and the trauma to her from the attack.
She has now had two good days in a row.  Be steadfast in your prayers as I know you are........God is listening.  As always thanks to each of you for every act of kindness.

Fantastic!....

Awesome news coming out of South Carolina this morning regarding Deb's condition!....(see previous post(s)....The family would like to thank everyone for their support and concern....She will beat this!...

Update on the family by- Herb

The family is holding up very well under the circumstances.  Debbie will be here for at least a month and will require a great deal of therapy.  Her mother, sister and son will be here this week-end to stay for a few days. We are hoping for some improvement in days to come.  Please keep us in your prayers.

Morning Update on Debbie......Tuesday, June 14 by Charlie

Just a praise to our Lord this morning for all your prayers and support.  Got to see Debbie at 8:30 a.m. and she is still somewhat better.  God's little is so GREAT!  No chest x-ray or cranial dopler report yet but vitals look better.  Will send more later.  Love to you all!
THIS IS AN UPDATE ON THIS POST.........DEBBIE'S X RAY CAME BACK MUCH BETTER TODAY AND THE DOPLER BRAIN SPASM TEST WAS ALSO BETTER......GREAT NEWS PER DR ROSENBERG JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO.  POSTING 10:00 a.m.

Debbie's update.......June 12.....by Charlie

Debbie condition is somewhat better today. The vasospasms significantly decreased today due to the balloons and meds introduced into her brain blood vessels yesterday and Dr is hoping they will remain low after treatment wears off.  (2 or 3 days)  Chest x-ray was also showing less congestion today......Praise the Lord!
Also, Debbie had some wonderful visitors:  Two cousins, Billie Rae Bright and Bud Haynes from Cleveland, GA and our Pastor Scott Johnson and wife Kelly and Bud and Yolanda Heuser (great friends) from Crossville, TN. It was WONDERFUL seeing all of you and thanks so much for coming!

Debbie's Update.......June 12.......by Charlie

Debbie has had a rough day today to say the least.  Pneumonia has not improved and vassal blood vessel spasms increased.  CT scan confirmed this.  She underwent another angiogram at 3:30 this afternoon where 3 vessel balloons were inserted and other medication was used to stop the spasms.  This is only a temporary (48 hours) fix and hopefully her body will take over after it wears off. Will keep you posted.
Again, as always, thanks so much for all the prayers, calls, concerns and love given and shown to us.
God bless you all and may the Great Physican take care of  Debbie.

Debbie's update.......June 11..........by Charlie

Debbie's day has been mostly uneventful with a barrage of antibiotics  to combat the pneumonia. Chest x-ray did show slightly less congestion than yesterday (great news) and test for vassal spasms did not show increase(more great news)  Sometimes we must view less as more.  Temp has been a problem but this afternoon at 6:30 p.m. IT HAD DROPPED TO NORMAL and she had not had tylenol for over 3 hours, nor had she been subjected to the cooling (I call it the refrigeration mattress) pad since early a.m.  We are praying this is a sign the infection is decreasing and antibiotics are working. White cell count had also dropped.
I'd like to say this about the nurses and doctors at MUSC.   They are nothing short of FANTASTIC!  They not only care exceptionally well for the patient but also the family.  I have nothing but good to say about them and their caring, loving, understanding and professional attitudes.  They are the best!
Thanks again for all your prayers..........Our Lord is working and can do anything!     

Debbie's update......June 10 by Charlie

 Debbie has had an up and down day.  Her brain blood vessel vassal spasms did not increase from yesterday but at the same time it was determined that she has pneumonia in her right lung.  This has put all breathing and feeding changes on hold until next week.  Dr Hayes is giving her multiple antibiotics to combat the infection and says her condition is still serious but stable and she is still being kept sedated. 
You cannot know how much your continued prayers, calls, love and concern mean to us and we long to be back with you soon.

From Brian L......June 9

Mom had a procedure done today to counteract vasospasm in the brain. The doctor liked what he saw but is still very critical. She still has a breathing tube but is doing it mostly on her own. She is fighting hard. Hats off to UMSC staff! Pray!

from June 8

Update on Debbie: June 8, 2011
Debbie has had a few problems last night and today. High temp, some lung congestion and brain vessel spasms. Nurses and Doctors are doing what is needed and she is responding....More tests tomorrow to confirm progress. She was sedated and resting well at 9 p.m. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts.

Debbie Haynes Hesson

As everyone probably already knows, Deb suffered a brain aneurysm June 4 while vacationing at Folly Beach, SC.  She has been in ICU in a Charleston hospital since then. Her condition is stable but serious.

We will try our best to keep this blog updated and current with her condition.

Updates on Debbie

June 9.....From Charlie

Had a fairly good day today except showing signs of increased vassal spasms in the brain blood vessels. Dr performed surgical procedure this afternoon that disproved this and he gave us a good report. She was resting well at 8:30 tonight. Keep praying. Our God is good!